At Innov8Social we realize that we are consumers before we are social innovators. And that we vote with our wallet as much as with our words. With that in mind, we’ll post product reviews for a few of our favorite social innovations from time to time, highlighting what makes them smart and socially innovative…so can become better-informed consumers together.And we’d love to hear about socially innovative products or companies amaze, enlighten you…and even tickle your toes.To kick it off, we have a product that knows when to be there, and when to disappear.

The Product: Biobag Certified Compostable Dog Waste Bags

Why we like them: 1. 100% Compostable and Biodegradable. There’s no reason that Fido’s output needs to be stored in a non-biodegradable plastic bag until the end of time, or end up in a plastic bag vortex. With a number of certifications to prove compostability and biodegradability, Biobag’s goal is “to help divert all naturally biodegradable waste from entering our landfills.”

2. Affordable. They generally run under $20 for 200 bags online. That’s less than $.10 per bag and the priceless knowledge that you are doing something to minimize you and your pet’s carbon footprint.

3. Easy to Order. My canine pal Bella and I have been ordering Biobag waste bags since she was a pup from Amazon Subscribe & Save—you get a discounted price, free shipping, and automatic delivery every few months. It saves a trip to the store and makes the process of replenishing dog waste bags, efficient, simple, and even a little exciting (just when you were running out, a box of bags magically appear at your doorstep).

4. A Family of Products. Biobag doesn’t end with dog waste bags, peruse their list of retail products and you will find kitchen garbage bags, lawn & leaf bags, and even composting units.

5. They are the best. Having had the occasion to try numerous dog waste bags, we have found Biobag sacks to be not only environmentally-forward—but also the best. The holes at the top make and the texture make for easy opening and simple disposal.

Composting was somewhat modernized beginning in the 1920s in Europe as a tool for organic farming. The first industrial station for the transformation of urban organic materials into compost was set up in Wels/Austria in the year 1921.

I heard they are the world’s largest brand of certified compostable bags and films made from the material, Mater-Bi. Mater-Bi's ingredients consist of starches derived from plants, vegetable oils, and compostable polymers from both renewable raw materials and fossil raw materials.

Have you checked out EcoSmartPlastics pooch poop bags? Seems that they're not only biodegradeable but they also incorporate a load of natural scents to stop flies and bugs following you everywhere once you've scooped the poop.

Re. "100% Compostable and Biodegradable": I appreciate the review, but how do you know for sure? They seem to have passed the ASTM D6400 standard, which says "designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities" (http://www.bpiworld.org/Default.aspx?pageId=190422)

How often do people find such municipal or industrial composting facilities? This is what's keeping me from trusting that these bags (or any others) are degradable in practice.